New Jersey BPU releases application process for new community solar pilot program

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) approved the application process for year one of the state’s new three-year Community Solar Energy Pilot Program, a key component of Governor Phil Murphy’s clean energy agenda. The new application process follows the Board’s January 17 adoption of the three-year Community Solar Energy Pilot Program Rules.

The Pilot Program, which will generate crucial market information and implementation data, will ultimately inform the development of a permanent community solar program over the next three years. In developing the pilot, staff created an innovative and flexible program that the board may evaluate and adjust over the life of the program in order to maximize the program’s success.

“Environmental justice has been one of my top priorities since I launched my campaign for Governor,” said Governor Murphy. “Establishing the Community Solar Pilot Program ensures that all New Jersey residents regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion or community in which they live, can take advantage of the opportunities that clean energy provides.”

“Not only will this program help combat climate change by expanding the use of renewable energy in our state, but it will also allow many more residents to reap the benefits of solar, particularly those with low- or moderate-incomes,” said NJBPU president Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Now you don’t necessarily need solar panels on your own roof to be able to power your home with solar energy.”

To ensure that New Jerseyans have more equitable access to solar energy, the Pilot Program will earmark 40% of the overall program capacity for low- and moderate-income projects.

The application form outlines the requirements for projects within the pilot program, including a criteria rubric by which applications will be evaluated and ranked for selection by the Board. New Jersey is the first state ever to utilize an evaluation rubric for its community solar program, as opposed to a first-come, first-served process. The rubric will ensure an intentional selection approach and fair access to the program among diverse solar vendors and project types and help maximize the State’s learning from the Pilot program.

The application process will open on April 9, 2019, at 9 a.m. and close on September 9, 2019, at 5 p.m. After the application window closes, a dedicated evaluation committee will review each administratively complete application within 60 days and score them based on the application form’s evaluation criteria, which include:

Product offering (15 points max., with priority given to those that guarantee savings of greater than 10%);

Community and environmental justice engagement (10 points max.);

Subscribers (10 points max., with priority given to projects with a majority of residential subscribers);

Other benefits (10 points max., with priority given to projects providing local jobs, job training or demonstration of co-benefits such as paired with storage or a microgrid project); and

Geographic limit within EDC service territory (five points max., with priority given to projects with subscribers in the same municipality or an adjacent municipality to the project’s location).

Projects must receive at least 30 points to be considered for participation in the Pilot Program. Projects that receive more than 30 points will be awarded capacity in the Pilot Program in order, starting with the highest-scoring project and proceeding to the lowest-scoring project. The Community Solar Energy Pilot Program has an annual capacity limit of 75 megawatts for the first year, and at least 75 MW for the second and third years (roughly estimated to cover the electric usage of 45,000 residential homes over three years). It supports Governor Murphy’s commitment of 100% clean energy by 2050, including 3,500 MW of offshore wind energy by 2030 and solar initiatives such as community solar and a revamped, more cost-effective solar energy program. For more information go to www.njcleanenergy.com.